Author Maeve Binchy died at age 72

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Circle of Friends author passes away July 30, 2012

"We have lost a national treasure," reflects Irish Prime Minister on the death of Maeve Binchy -- the country's most popular contemporary author.

Celebrated Irish author Maeve Binchy died Tuesday at the age of 72. An extremely popular writer with over 40 million books sold worldwide, Binchy captivated readers with stories that usually centered on life in a small, Irish town with surprise endings.

Maeve Binchy was born in Dublin, Ireland in 1940 and rose to popularity in the late 1970s with her novel titled Light a Penny Candle. Her most famous novel is arguably Circle of Friends which Binchy wrote in 1990. The novel was later turned into a film in 1995 with the same name and starred Minnie Driver, Chris O'Donnell, Alan Cumming and Colin Firth. Binchy was also featured on The New York Times' bestseller's list as well as Oprah's Book Club. Her last book, A Week in Winter, is set to be published this upcoming fall.

The Associated Press as reported in Entertainment Weeklyreceived a statement from Irish President Michael D. Higgins. "She was an outstanding novelist, short story writer and columnist, who engaged millions of people around the world with her fluent and accessible style." He continued, "In recent years she showed great courage and thankfully never lost her self-deprecating humor, honesty, and remarkable integrity as an artist and human being."

Maeve Binchy died from complications related to a brief and undisclosed illness. It is unclear if it is related to a heart condition diagnosed in 2010 . USA Today reports her time in the hospital for that illness inspired her popular novelHeart and Soul. Sources close to the family say she will be cremated Friday at a private service in Dublin, Ireland. She is survived by her husband, her brother and her sister.